How Do You Create More Sustainable Packaging

For all of the energy and effort that goes into creating sustainable products and establishing green supply chain initiatives, there’s rarely enough attention given to packaging. But if you really want to commit to building an environmentally friendly business, you can’t forget about packaging. Here’s what you can do:

1. Evaluate Your Current Packaging Practices

Before you can make your packaging more sustainable, you need to assess your current practices. What materials are you using? How much waste does your packaging generate? Are your materials recyclable, compostable, or reusable?

Start by conducting a packaging audit. This will help you identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. For example, are you using excess material that could be reduced? Could you swap out non-recyclable components for more eco-friendly alternatives?

When you understand where you’re starting, you can set clear goals for your transition to sustainable packaging.

1. Choose Renewable and Biodegradable Materials

The materials you choose play a key role in the sustainability of your packaging. Renewable and biodegradable materials reduce reliance on finite resources and minimize environmental harm.

A great example of this is PLANTIC™ barrier film, a sustainable food-grade plastic that combines performance with eco-friendliness. Made primarily from corn starch, PLANTIC™ offers a superior gas and aroma barrier while being biodegradable and certified biobased. It’s suitable for food contact applications and inherently anti-static, oil-resistant, sealable, and printable.

By using materials like this, you can achieve the functional requirements of traditional plastics while reducing your carbon footprint and waste generation. That’s a win for everyone.

1. Prioritize Minimalist Packaging Design

Sustainability isn’t just about the materials you use – it’s also about how much material you use. Minimalist packaging design reduces waste by eliminating unnecessary components and streamlining your packaging.

For example:

• Use smaller boxes or bags that fit the product snugly to minimize empty space.
• Opt for single-material packaging to make recycling easier.
• Eliminate secondary packaging, like plastic windows or extra wraps, unless absolutely necessary.

Minimalist packaging not only reduces material usage but also lowers shipping costs by decreasing package size and weight. It’s a win-win for sustainability and your bottom line.

1. Work With Sustainable Suppliers

Sustainability doesn’t happen in isolation – it requires collaboration throughout your supply chain. Partnering with suppliers who share your commitment to eco-friendly practices ensures consistency and credibility.

For example, sourcing materials from companies like Kuraray, the manufacturer of the PLANTIC™ film that we previously mentioned, demonstrates a commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. Look for suppliers who prioritize renewable resources, ethical production, and certifications like biobased or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).

1. Incorporate Recycled Content

Recycled materials are a cornerstone of sustainable packaging. Incorporating recycled content into your packaging helps reduce waste, conserve resources, and close the loop in the recycling process.

For instance, consider using post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics, paperboard, or cardboard. These materials are made from items that have already been used and recycled, reducing the need for virgin materials.

Clearly label your packaging to let customers know it’s made from recycled materials. This transparency reinforces your commitment to sustainability and encourages responsible disposal practices.

1. Design for Recyclability or Compostability

Sustainable packaging should have a clear end-of-life pathway, whether it’s recyclable, compostable, or reusable.

• Recyclable packaging: Ensure your materials can be easily recycled in most municipal systems. Avoid mixing materials (like plastic and metal) that make recycling difficult.
• Compostable packaging: Use materials like bioplastics or paper products that can break down in composting facilities. Be sure to specify whether they require industrial composting or can decompose at home.

Packaging that’s easy to dispose of responsibly gives customers the ability to make eco-friendly choices. If you’re serious about this, try to include clear instructions on your labels to help them understand how to recycle or compost your packaging. That extra little step can go a long way toward making progress.

1. Engage Your Customers in Sustainability

Yes, your packaging protects your product. But it’s also a powerful communication tool. Use it to educate and engage your customers about your sustainability efforts.

Highlight the eco-friendly features of your packaging with clear, concise messaging. For example:

• “This package is made from 100% recycled materials.”
• “Please recycle or compost this box to help us reduce waste.”

Consider including a QR code that links to more information about your sustainability initiatives. Transparency like this builds trust and encourages customers to support your efforts by disposing of packaging responsibly.

1. Test and Optimize Your Packaging

Sustainable packaging must still meet functional requirements like durability, product protection, and visual appeal. With this in mind, test your new packaging materials and designs to ensure they perform as needed.

Gather feedback from customers to identify any issues or areas for improvement. For instance, if compostable packaging is tearing too easily, explore ways to strengthen the material without sacrificing sustainability.

Adding it All Up

There’s no three-step process to turn your current packaging into sustainable packaging. Rather, it requires a nuanced approach that appeals to the specific needs and factors of your current products. But if you’re willing to put in the effort to think creatively, you’ll see that anything is possible.